Plot Summary

Horseman, Pass By

Larry Mcmurtry
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Horseman, Pass By

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961

Book Brief

Larry Mcmurtry

Horseman, Pass By

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • 1950s

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Horseman, Pass By by Larry McMurtry is set in 1954 Texas and follows Lonnie Bannon, a young man living on his grandfather's cattle ranch. His grandfather, Homer, owns the ranch, while his cruel stepson, Hud, commits despicable acts that threaten their family's happiness. As Lonnie navigates life amidst these challenges, he confronts themes of mortality and rural life's harsh realities, paralleling William Butler Yeats' poem "Under Ben Bulben." The book includes sensitive topics such as sexual assault and racial discrimination.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Gritty

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

6,361 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Larry McMurtry's Horseman, Pass By is lauded for its vivid portrayal of Texan life and its rich character development, particularly that of young protagonist, Lonnie. Critics appreciate McMurtry's evocative prose and the authentic depiction of the struggles within a cattle ranching family. Some reviewers, however, note a slow narrative pace and sparse dialogue as potential drawbacks. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and regional authenticity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Horseman, Pass By?

A reader who appreciates rustic, heartfelt narratives set in the American West will enjoy Horseman, Pass By by Larry McMurtry. Fans of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men and Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men will find this coming-of-age story rich in atmospheric detail and complex characters.

4.1

6,361 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • 1950s

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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